“The total amount allotted for implementing the CIF in five Corporations is Rs 45 crore. As per the plan, Kochi’s share out of this amount is Rs 9 crore, which is insufficient to carry out the project,” sources said.

As a first step, 71 colonies were identified for community infrastructure development work. The plan was to execute the development works of 37 colonies in the first phase, 14 colonies in the second phase and 19 colonies in the third phase. The DPR for 66 colonies was prepared and submitted by WAPCOS, out of which works were allotted for 41 colonies. Still the project is in its initial stage and work hardly completed only in 5 colonies.

Meanwhile, a senior official said though the implementation of the project was going on, the hurdle in front of the authorities was the lack of funds.

“Work of the footpath, drainage, toilet and community centre in Karingathuruthy, Vyasapuram, Maliyekkal Parambu, Kochuparambu and Mooppan Colony have been completed. Work is on in 19 colonies also. The tender evaluation is going on for another 14 colonies,” the official said. “Construction and repair of drainage, construction of community centre and new toilets are a bit expensive. Since the conditions of many of these colonies are worse, the allotted fund of Rs 9 crore would not be sufficient enough for a City like Kochi,” the official said.

“We are planning to borrow the surplus fund from the neighbouring Corporations where the work would be completed within the stipulated budget. But it also has certain practical difficulties,” he said.

However, sources said the conditions of these colonies, where the work was carried out in the initial stage, still remain the same.